Guys,

Just picked up a 2005 Coupe today and I notice that I have to squezze really hard on the outside door handles to get the doors to open. there is also quite a delay each time as well??? I am doing something wrong here? This is my first Corvette so please bare with me. Are there known issues with the 2005 and handles? Any help would be appreciated...

Thanks Mike
Nashville

 

I don't think there is anything to squeeze. It is an electronic recognition system matched with a touch pad. I assume the FOB is in your pocket and not buried in a briefcase or in the kitchen. Therefore, I would look into changing the battery in the FOB. The battery can be purchased anywhere. If that does not work the next step is going to be check the car battery.

 

The rubber pads on the inside of the door handle area are simple switches covered with rubber to protect them from the weather. Some on the forum call them "sensors", but they don't 'sense' anything until they are pushed, then they simply complete an electric circuit. I don't know how much of a delay you are experiencing, but some slight delay is normal. When the switch is pushed, it tells the computer to query and see if a response is received from a fob in the area close by the outside of the door. If a fob responds, then the code of that fob is checked to see if it is valid to open this car. Then the solenoid is energized to open the door latch. With my car, the switch needs to be held for a half second or so. If it is just pushed quickly and released, it may not open the door. The problem that I see with people in my car who are not familiar with the system is that they tend to put their fingers too far into the door opening and then squeeze the rubber pad. The switch under the rubber pad is closer to the outer edge than people think. Since the rubber pad is not a 'sensor' as such, the actual switch under the rubber is fairly small in size and so the pad must be squeezed in the right spot, not just anywhere on the rubber. Friends who ride in my car usually find that the "sweet spot" on the rubber pad is closer to the edge than they expect. Hope this helps!

And congrats on your new C6!!!!!!!

 

Certainly it's possible there's a problem with the sensor pads . . .there are two screws that hold the plastic door handle on .. if you remove those, you may be able to clean around the pad . . .but you shouldn't have to push hard - -that doesn't affect the ability of the door to open.

Not sure if its a factor, but you might want to think about replacing the batteries in the FOB if they're original . . pry apart the 2 sides with a thin flat bladed screwdriver or dull knife (don't ask how I know) . .Duracell CR2032 battery - -about the size of a quarter . .

Good luck - -and congrats on the Vette - - our `05 has been a great car!

 

Thanks for all the help guys. Since both doors seem to have this issue I tend to think a battery change is in order which I will do first thing in the morning. If that doesn't do the trick, I will take the pads off and check/clean the switches and see if I get an improvment there. I am so excitied to have finally got my dream car! I'm headed to the Corvette Plant and Museum on Sept 1st so I can get the full Corvette thing down deep in mt blood!

Mike

 

I've never tried taking one of the door switches apart, may not even be possible, and chances are the contacts are sealed for protection from weather/water.

They do come out very easily and are not very expensive to replace.

If both are the same, it could be your battery, as mentioned above, or the delay (a little less than 1/2 a second on mine) is "normal".

Or it could be a reaction to too much Country Western Music played on the stereo. Try some Rock Therapy, get the subs shakin', something will loosen up.

 

I have had the problem when I have my cell phone on and it is near my key fob

 

Congrats on the C6.

 

Mike,

Congrats on the '05 coupe. Have an '05 convertible that so far has been a great vehicle. Noticed you reside in Nashville. I'm from Gallatin and work in Nashville near Vanderbilt. In case you're interested, the Nashville Corvette club is a great bunch of folks and would encourage you to join. The club is very active and supports the local community. Tomorrow, several club members will be attending the cruise-in at The Avenue in Murfreesboro, TN We've been told this cruise-in is attended by several hundred cars each week. You can check out the club at www.nashvillecorvetteclub.com. Welcome to forum and enjoy the miles of smiles.

 

When I first got mine, I had trouble getting used to the delay also. It seemed like if I got close to the car too fast, then the sensor would unlock, but not open the latch. It would take me one or two times to open it then. I finally got used to it, and now it works most of the time, but there is still a delay.

Have fun with the new vette. You won't be sorry.